Riscle is a town of Gers, in Occitan region, 20 km southeast of Aire-sur-l'Adour, the edge of the Hautes-Pyrénées departments and Landes.
Since 1 January 2019, it absorbed the neighboring village of Le Cannet (55 people) and now has about 1,900 inhabitants.
Large 36 km² territory Riscle belongs to the historical region of Gascony, and during the Adour and several of its tributaries through it.
The town developed from the eleventh century around a castle and the fortified city then had a hospital, a convent and several churches. If Riscle was spared by the Hundred Years War, erected in the county, it experienced significant damage in 1737 following flooding of the Adour.
The small town was gradually reconstructed and modernized in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and it has retained a certain prosperity thanks to its economy (grain crops, fish farming and production appellation wines Côtes de Saint-Mont and Cotes de Gascogne).
Its verdant and hilly discreetly, the charm of the banks of the Adour, heritage and cultural vitality of the city and is a great step, between sea and mountains.
If the medieval castle has disappeared, however, the town has a wealth of interest, beginning with St. Peter's church, built precisely on the hill where once stood the residence of the counts of Riscle. Gothic style, it was built in the twelfth century but was burnt down in 1569 during the Wars of Religion. Rebuilt on the same basis, the church was in the nineteenth century with a new roof and a monumental staircase. Then, at the same time, a second tower was high. The church, protected as historical monuments, houses a gilded wooden statue offered by Anne of Austria, Queen of France, in 1658.
The Convent of Mercy, built in the fifteenth century and whose mission was to receive former prisoners Christians Saracen slaves, there remains, however, that the door.
In a completely different genre, impossible not to notice the magnificent suspension bridge was opened in 1932 to replace perennially previous bridges that could not withstand the flood of the Adour, the population had come to prefer cross by boat. But the work of art was dynamited by the Resistance in 1944 now essential, the bridge was rebuilt in 1956 and renovated in 2001.
Another symbol of regional traditions, arenas LONGEPEE Jean-Pierre, built in 1900, according to the architecture characteristic elliptical shape and are open throughout the year landaises, bullfights, festive events (inter-village games) or concerts.
A walk in the city and its surroundings also allows to observe many former wash houses, which testify to the rich hydrography.
Finally, of course, we see the heart of the beautiful Riscle hall built in the 1960s on the site that once housed the Hospital of St. John Commandery who treated especially the pilgrims of Saint-Jacques. The hall was renovated in 2013. In addition to the weekly Friday market, many festivities are planned there.
Culturally, the Blue gallery housed in the college's Val d'Adour hosts contemporary art exhibitions (information +33 5 62 69 94 14) and the Spiral Theater, housed in an eco-center, offers throughout year concerts, theater or dance. Information at +33 5 62 08 43 81.
We will not forget the village of Le Cannet and Romanesque church of the twelfth century.
Guided tours of the city of Riscle and its key heritage assets are available in season. Contact +33 5 62 69 74 01 or +33 5 62 09 22 57.
As was always the municipal pool allows to combine relaxation and swimming on Wednesdays and Saturdays in June and daily in July and August. Price: 2 and 3 euros. Information +33 5 62 69 70 10.
Finally, a stage or a stay Riscle may be the opportunity of hiking or mountain biking very pleasant. Some tours include woodlots or breaks "tasting" among winemakers. Maps and information +33 5 62 69 74 01 or +33 5 62 09 22 57.
